Spectral tracking of energetic charged particles in wide field-of-view with miniaturized telescope MiniPIX Timepix3 1 × 2 stack

Abstract

Abstract A highly integrated particle telescope is assembled from two MiniPIX Timepix3 detectors in stack configuration to provide time- and spectral-sensitive tracking of energetic charged particles. The telescope architecture, high granularity and per-pixel spectral response of the imaging detectors enable directional mapping of energetic charged particles in wide field-of-view (FoV) with high angular resolution (sub degree) without the need for collimators. The pixel detectors are operated in sync and readout each with separate USB 2.0 cable for integrated control and power supply. Timepix3 two per-pixel signal channels are operated in energy and time mode for detailed spectral- and time-registration of single events in each detector. Events are registered with time stamp resolution at tens of ns level between both detectors. Correlated events between both detector layers are resolved by correlated time stamp with a coincident time window <100 ns. The stack sync configuration allows to perform precise spectrometry (energy loss) and high-resolution tracking over the entire FoV. Particle-event classification is enhanced by spectral and tracking analysis of correlated events in both detectors. The sensors of the detectors can be of different semiconductor material or thickness for selective multiple energy loss ΔE1 + ΔE2 technique. Data products include detailed angular distributions of energetic charged particles with high angular resolution, time stamp, spectral response (energy loss, LET value) and enhanced particle-type resolving power of over 8 event classes. The directional response and angular resolution depend on the spacing gap between the tracker detectors. The resulting field-of-view, geometric factor and angular resolution are evaluated. Results are presented with proof-of-principle of the technique and evaluation of synchronized operation with 31 MeV protons.